CCP Games makesEVE Onlinefree to play with the newEVE Online: Ascensionupdate as it hopes to draw in new players and make the MMO more accessible.
Although it is regarded as one of the best space exploration games available, CCP Games' MMOEVE Onlinehas a reputation of being less than accessible to new players. In addition to being called ‘spreadsheets in space,’ by some due to its complicated nature,EVE Onlinealso requires a paid subscription, meaning that just as players begin to understand the game, they will have to start paying.
Somewhat solving both of these problems is a newEVE Onlineupdated calledEVE Online: Ascension. The update, which rolled out earlier this week, separates players into two ‘Clone States’: Omega and Alpha. Players in an Omega State are those who pay anEVE Onlinesubscription (around $15 a month), while Alpha clones can play the game for free but have a limited choice of ships and it takes longer to unlock abilities. Alphas can become Omegas, but Omegas who stop paying their subscription fee and become Alphas are unable to access the skills they learned in their Omega State.
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TheAscensionupdate also introduces a tutorial called ‘Inception.’ CCP explains that Inception “will offer new pilots more assistance and guidance than ever before as they take their first steps into the vast expanse of New Eden.” The tutorial includes a storyline, fully voiced characters, and a new user interface as well.
Considering how impenetrable the game can be, anything that makesEVE Onlineeasier for new players to learn should be welcomed. While the game has drawn players in with tales ofmassiveEVE Onlinebattlesas well as masterfulthefts that take months of planning, this is something that so many new recruits don’t get to experience. For most, the complex nature of the game turns them off before they get a chance to be part of this action.
